What is the Order of the Rokel?

The Order of the Rokel was established in 1972 by Siaka Stevens, the first president of Sierra Leone, to recognize outstanding contributions to the nation in public service, philanthropy, arts and sciences

Dr. Jane Goodall played a key role in the founding of Sierra Leone’s Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

It consists of five classes: Grand Commander, Commander, Grand Officer, and Member.

The Order is named for the Rokel River, the largest in the country. It is traditionally awarded by the president annually on 27 April, Sierra Leone’s Independence Day

The fight to protect Sierra Leone’s wild chimpanzees

President Bio praised Dr.Goodall’s groundbreaking work, “Thank you for your dedication and hard work around the world and rest assured we will support you. I will join my colleagues who are active in supporting wildlife around the world.”

Sierra Leone is home to 10% of the world’s endangered wild chimpanzee population. Photo: Amr Miqdadi.

The president’s remarks underscored the commitment of his administration to protecting the wild chimpanzees of Sierra Leone.

The work of Jane Goodall and The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Dr. Goodall believes that development of alternative revenue sources is a key conservation strategy for Sierra Leone. Photo: Rishi Ragunathan

The Sanctuary is home to approximately 100 rescued chimpanzees who have been trafficked and abused. It is nestled in the forests of the Western Area Peninsula National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans 17,000 hectares.

Tacugama also has an off-site program which conducts community outreach, field research, and conservation training.

Dr. Goodall believes that the development of alternative revenue sources in Sierra Leone is a key conservation strategy, “You have wonderful forests and areas which people around the world will like to come and visit. I will do my level best to help conservation which might include tourism or agro-culture to help conservation in Sierra Leone.”